Web Design + Development

E-Commerce web design involves a complicated mix of research, development, graphic design, search engine optimization and a million other factors that, if done right, can be the road to success. On the flip side, if done incorrectly, you may end up with a stale, stagnant site that attracts little to no visitors and produces very limited profits.

The problem arises when businesses contract e-commerce web design with companies that have a specific skill set, let’s say they’re excellent PHP coders, but unfortunately have no clue about visitor trends, search engine optimization, proper design, etc. An e-commerce website needs a collaboration between all promotional/development teams so a common, functional product can be achieved. The coding of the site needs to fit the design and the website needs to adhere to search engine optimization standards.

The most important elements of e-commerce web design include:

1) E-Commerce Platform

E-commerce websites are usually built on a platform, or an e-commerce system that’s pre-built and allows customization. Zen Cart, osCommerce, Storefront, Miva Merchant and BV Software are some of the popular cart systems. Depending on the size of your project (large corporation vs. mom and pop store) choosing an e-commerce platform is highly dependent on price and functionality. Fully outlining your wants and needs before building an e-commerce website is important in ensuring the e-commerce platform can handle what you want. (At The Brainchild Group, we do not use any of the systems listed above.)

2) Search Engine Optimization

Choosing an e-commerce platform, or building an e-commerce website, that’s optimized for search engine optimization (SEO) is absolutely critical. Spending thousands of dollars on advertisements (tv commercials, print ads, etc.) doesn’t even come close to the effectiveness of proper SEO. Your e-commerce store should allow you to re-write URLs, add custom page titles and meta descriptions and adjust all aspects of SEO.

3) Graphic Design

Graphic design for e-commerce websites is very important. You want visitors to quickly and easily find what they’re looking for without clutter, confusion and misdirection. A website that flows smoothly will lead to increased sales. Design a website that’s clean, appealing, functional and easily updatable.

I hope this article has been helpful and good luck with your e-commerce website! May the force be with you.

The Brainchild Group is a Los Angeles marketing and design firm that specializes in creative, innovative, profit-generating online marketing and design campaigns. Over the years, we have worked with hundreds of clients and understand what it takes to achieve results through online marketing channels. We are a group of creative marketing and design professionals with thorough knowledge in e-commerce web design, Flash animation, search engine optimization, social media marketing, blog design and development, along with all other forms of internet marketing/promotion.

The Brainchild group specializes in: e-commerce web design for jewelry, e-commerce web design for automotive companies, e-commerce web design for clothing stores, boutique e-commerce websites and all other e-commerce niches where we can utilize our programming, marketing and design expertise.